Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa)

Short answers

Madagascar hissing cockroach: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Approx. 40×30×30 cm for a small group (smooth walls or a petroleum-jelly rim are needed, they climb well).

Madagascar hissing cockroach: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, with a temperature gradient in the enclosure (heat mat on the side, not under the substrate), at night 20–24 °C.

Madagascar hissing cockroach: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Madagascar hissing cockroach: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 2–5 years, usually around 3 years.

Madagascar hissing cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C, with a temperature gradient in the enclosure (heat mat on the side, not under the substrate)

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

approx. 50–70 %; a humid corner is enough, permanently wet conditions promote mites and mold

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

approx. 40×30×30 cm for a small group (smooth walls or a petroleum-jelly rim are needed, they climb well)

Substrate

Coco fibre or forest soil, at least 5 cm deep, with leaf litter and moss on top; cork bark and egg cartons as hides and climbing surfaces; a shallow water dish with kitchen paper, or a chick waterer, so none of them drown

Feeding

Food

Vegetables (carrot, pumpkin), fruit, dry food, fish flakes or cat food (a little protein)

Feeding interval

fresh food 2–3×/week, dry food always available

Key facts

Adult size

females up to ~8 cm, males ~5 cm (males with tubercles)

Life expectancy

approx. 2–5 years, usually around 3 years

Origin

Madagascar; lives there on the ground of dry forests to semi-evergreen rainforests, under leaf litter, deadwood and bark

Protection status

Not protected. Do not release it.

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Sociable; group keeping (at least 5–10 animals) is recommended. The males settle territory with hissing and shoving without serious injuries – unproblematic given enough space and hides.

Notes

The best-known display cockroach; wingless, unable to fly but a good climber – escape protection (a smooth upper rim) is needed. It produces an audible hiss through its spiracles. Ovoviviparous, very robust and long-lived.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Dubia roach (Blaptica dubia) – Beginner
• Domino cockroach (Therea bernhardti) – Beginner
• Peppered cockroach (Archimandrita tesselata) – Beginner
• Green banana cockroach (Panchlora nivea) – Beginner
• Halloween hissing cockroach (Elliptorhina javanica) – Beginner
• Domino cockroach (Therea petiveriana) – Beginner
• Glowspot cockroach (Lucihormetica subcincta) – Intermediate
• Orange-headed cockroach (Eublaberus posticus) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 40×30×30 cm for a small group (smooth walls or a petroleum-jelly rim are needed, they climb well)), substrate (Coco fibre or forest soil, at least 5 cm deep, with leaf litter and moss on top; cork bark and egg cartons as hides and climbing surfaces; a shallow water dish with kitchen paper, or a chick waterer, so none of them drown), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.